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I first met the guys at Douglas Outdoors a couple years ago while covering ICAST over at TackleTour.com. Not just a fly rod company, Douglas Outdoors also offers conventional rods, fly reels, and some accessories. With the creation of Demystifly, IÂ knew IÂ had to sample one or two of their products for a write-up. It didn't take long before a couple of samples were in my possession!
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One of the fly rods sent by the guys at Douglas was the 9-foot 5-weight DXF fly rod. Fly rods rated for 5-weight lines are standard among many freshwater anglers, and with some ponds nearby full of small bass I knew this rod had a lot of potential for serious fun. I also heard some good things about this particular model, so I was pretty darn amped about fishing it.
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DXF rods are all about simplistic good looks and quality components. Our tester sported an attractive matte green high-modulus blank, hard-chrome SiC stripping guide, chrome snake guides, and AAA cork grip. The reel seat includes double up-locking rings and an attractive wood insert. As an added bonus, a triangular cordura-covered tube and rod sock offers sound protection for the DXF.
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The 5904 carries an advertised weight of just 2.9 ounces which translates to a nice lightweight feel while casting. The "modern" action (as Douglas calls it) feels like it leans towards a more familiar "fast" designation. It offers very smooth, pleasing performance overall. I enjoyed throwing it most at medium ranges with flies you'd typically toss on a 5-weight, although to push the limits I tossed a too-big-for-a-5-weight popper while bass fishing and it got me by.
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DXF fly rods are available in line weights 2 to 12 and lengths from 8'6" to 11'6". At an MSRP of $349Â the 5-weight DXF makes a fine all-around rod at a moderate price. All Douglas rods and reels are covered by an original owner lifetime warranty. For more information, check them out at:
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